There were some difficulties ahead, to be sure.

I remained sane enough to recognize these, yet I had already conquered easily, what at first had appeared insurmountable, and, in consequence of this good luck, these others yet to be met, seemed far less serious.

The same happy fortune which had opened the way for me to board the _Namur_ must also intervene to aid me in solving future problems.

Mine was the philosophy of a sailor, to whom peril was but a part of life.

All I seemed to require now was a sufficiency of courage and faith--the opportunity would be given.